158 Indian Nationals Rescued From Flood-Hit Nepal as Relief Operations Continue

New Delhi — A total of 158 Indian nationals have been rescued from Nepal following the devastating floods that struck the Himalayan nation last week, India’s Ministry of External Affairs said Monday.

The ministry said Indian forensic and tunnel rescue teams remain engaged in relief and recovery operations in coordination with Nepali authorities.

India’s specialized forensic team continued working in Kathmandu with Nepal Police’s Forensic Science Laboratory, focusing on identification procedures, documentation and forensic protocols.

Indian Ambassador to Nepal Naveen Srivastava met the forensic team Sunday before members held discussions with counterparts at Nepal Police’s Central Forensic Science Laboratory and the Forensics Department of Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital.

Indian tunnel rescue specialists are also working with the Nepali Army at hydropower sites in Chilime and Langtang, where flooding has left people trapped or missing.

Despite difficult weather and access conditions at Chilime, the team was able to establish access to the tunnel and install safety ropes, officials said.

At the Langtang site, Indian and Nepali teams were able to probe about 185 meters into the tunnel as search operations continued.

India has also sent multiple shipments of relief supplies to Nepal. A fourth flight carrying about 11 tons of assistance arrived in Kathmandu on Sunday.

The shipment included search-and-rescue equipment, tunnel rescue specialists and forensic experts trained in DNA analysis. Relief materials included blankets, sleeping bags, tarpaulins, plastic sheets and hygiene kits.

Indian authorities said rescue, recovery and relief operations would continue in coordination with the Nepali government. (Source: IANS)